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New Braunfels Herald Zeitung (Newspaper) - May 22, 2005, New Braunfels, Texas
wll 101)0571. 12/50/05 SOUTHUEST HIC ROPUt<LTSHERS 2627 E YANDELL DR EL PASO TX 79903
SUNDAY
MAY 22, 2005^erald-ZeitungPolice promise to enforce lower speed limit
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By Leigh Jones
Staff Writer
Residents of Stonegate and Rivertree subdivisions look out — the speed limit on Hwy. 46 is about to change.
The temporary speed reduction, to 45 miles per hour in the construction zone between Clear Springs and the four-lane section of road that ends just in front of
the Guadalupe Cattle Company, likely will be approved Monday by New Braunfels City Council.
Although the Texas Department of Transportation has jurisdiction over the roadway, council approval is necessary, said City Engineer Mike Short, to authorize the New Braunfels Police Department to enforce the change.
Enforce it, they will.
“As soon as die new speed lim
it takes effect, we will direct patrol in that direction,” said NBPD Capt. John Villarreal. “We will use any and all possible enforcement to make sure people slow down."
Drivers caught speeding through the area will have an unwelcome surprise when they get their citations — traffic fines double iii a construction zone.
The lower speed limit, requested by TxDOT, is designed to pro
tect workers who are vulnerable to passing cars, said area engineer for New Braunfels Creg Malatek.
While drivers might be tempted to get frustrated, especially during the summer when traffic is higher than normal, Malatek warned against impatience and “rubbernecking.”
During die construction period, drivers will have the same num
ber of traffic lanes they currently use for travel.
“I have heard there are rumors that we might close the road to one lane of traffic and use flaggers to pass the cars through,” Malatek said. “That’s simply not true."
The $4.1 million project, managed by Hunter Industries, is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2006.
Capt. John Villarreal
City to pay $100,000 for tennis courts
RUN UKE THE WIND
Toddler Run is more about fun than winning
Photos by MANDY REARY/Herald-Zeitung
Showing true enthusiasm, Sophia Jarchow, only 17 months old, books across the finish line in the McKennaToddler Run Saturday morning, proudly winning first place. Left, Derrick Craycraft warms up before his heat.
lifestyles,” Krause said. “Its an annual goodwill gesture; it’s what we’re doing to try to give back to the community.”
T he race itself was divided into heats by age, and each age group
was named after a fruit or berry. They raced for a T-shirt, ribbons and a gift bag prepare! by McKenna staff.
See TODDLER Page 5A
By Leigh Jones
Staff Writer
The New Braunfels I at A GLANCE High School tennis j g What: City councourts are getting a I oil meeting facelift and school dis- j « when: 6:30 p.m. trict officials are ask- j Monday ing the city to help pay j B where: City Hall, for it. j 424 S. Casten Ave.
Monday, New Braunfels Independent School District Construction Manager Daryl Stoker will ask city council to shoulder 50 percent of the $196,683 resurfacing cost based on a promise made in 1977.
When the eight courts behind the high school were constructed, the City of New Braunfels and NBISD agreed to share equally all subsequent maintenance costs.
Once the signature ink was dry, the contract was filed away mid forgotten — mostly-
It was not until Parks and Recreation Director Stacey Laird received a call from Stoker asking for help that she discovered the paperwork.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” Stoker said. “Now, we’re asking to be reimbursed $99,341.50.”
Although the contract was signed 28 years ago, City Manager Chuck Pinto said
See TENNIS Page 5A
Welcome aboard
The New Braunfels City Council will say goodbye to three members and welcome to their replacements.
By Ron Maloney
Staff Writer
Jack Fortner competed in the second athletic event of his lilt Saturday.
Abby Cordell and Sam Vrana did, too.
And all of them were under 3 years old.
'They were among 250 entrants in the 17th annual “Toddler Run"
sponsored by McKenna Health
Systems.
Kids in five age classes ranging from just under one year to three years competed in a series of heat races for colored ribbons and other gifts provided by McKenna and other sponsors. In addition, they and their parents were able to participate in the hospital system’s annual Family I iealth Forum, where 40
exhibitors and vendors offered services such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings.
But for the children, it was just about having a good time — and seeing other children.
“We just do it to support the hospital community," said Erie Fort
ner, jack’s dad, trainer, coach and, on Saturday, race assistant.
“And the kids have fun,” said Pain Gorden, who brought Abby hack for this year’s event — even though she was a little frightened her first time around.
Michelle Vrana, carrying Sam, said it wasn’t about whether the boy won this year.
“It doesn’t matter,” she said. “There are no losers here.”
Last year, Sam won because in his group, he was the only child who really started to run, his mother recalled. This year, she wasn’t sure how he’d do.
“I don’t think he knows what’s going on,” she said, turning her head to smile at her son, who was checking out the crowd.
Melissa Krause, director of marketing and corporate communications for McKenna Health System, said the event was moved to NBU’s new facility on FM 306 to allow it room to grow, and it has — by IOO entrants over the last year.
“This is an effort by McKenna to reach out to the community to raise health awareness and provide education about healthy
Teaching bike safety to children could be a lifesaver
By Ron Maloney
Staff Writer
teerNBU employees.
Reuwer said the event grows each year.
Before the gates even opened at 9 a.in. Saturday, 120 kids were standing in line waiting for bike reflectors, free helmets and bike inspections, among other gifts.
"This is a great chance for kids to practice critical thinking and safety skills,” Reuwer said.
I hat ’s exactly how Angie Morales felt about it. She brought her grandchildren, A.J. and Bryan Flores, hoping to impart skills that would keep them safe on their bikes.
A.J., who attends OakRun school, is almost 12 years old. I Ie and his brother, who attends Carl Schurz
See BIKE Page 3A
MANDY REARY Herald-Zeitung
With her mom, Elizabeth, watching closely, 5-year-old Jacquelene Verhelst-Mayo navigates the course.
MANDY REARY/Herald-Zeitung
Noah Lewis, 5, watches in fascination as the tires of his bike are checked and rotated at the NBL) Bike Rodeo Saturday morning.
About 50 percent of the fatal bicycle accidents involving adults are the fault of tile bicyclist.
Among children ages five to 12, that number grows to 70 percent — and 75 percent of those occur because the child rode into traffic from a driveway or a side street without stopping and l(X)king both ways.
That’s why there were plenty of stop signs Saturday at the fourth annual SAFEHaven bike rodeo put on by New Braunfels Utilities.
NBU Communications Director Gretchen Reuwer said Saturday ’s program is part of the utility’s commitment to child safety exemplified in its multi-faceted SAFEI laven program. The event was staffed by volun-
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